WONDERFUL!

When Candy and I started the adoption process, we never knew where this would take us. But, it's been an amazing ride to say the least. I mean, we are soon to be parents of a precious little boy!! How are we so lucky? We have been supported by so many people, old high school friends have come out of the woodwork, scratch that, just OLD friends have come out. We have seen and heard of so many other couples willing to adopt and wanting to start the process of adoption. All I can say is that it is WONDERFUL. Selfishly, you tend to think how awesome it would be if other people started seeing adoption in a different light, a WONDERFUL light. I admit, I cry a lot more lately. Maybe it's my age, maybe it's the fact that I will - nope, I AM a father! Well, I recently I got this e-mail from a high school friend. We don't converse at all, maybe through facebook here and there, but what she wrote (below) made me cry. This letter is an answer to my prayers. This is just another "icing on the cake moment".

Thank YOU for being part of this WONDERFUL journey we are on. We do feel all of your support and when the days look gloomy, and we think we can't take another day of waiting, we know there are hundreds, if not perhaps thousands of people praying for our family. That is WONDERFUL. Just like adoption. Wonderful!

Hey Candy & Chad :0)

I think that you two have been charged with the awesome task of changing the way people think of adoption. You have the ability to take away the 'negative stigma' and the misconceptions of it all. I have just been reading up on your blog about the adoption and the process that you guys have been going through. Seriously. This is the best approach that I have ever seen, read, heard regarding adoption (i.e. choosing to first adopt). I am reminded that adoption is not what you as the parent are to gain through 'wanting' a child. It is not solely for the 'benefit' of it but for the betterment of the child you are taking on to be loved unconditionally and to be themselves. It's no good adopting if your mindset is solely selfish, which you unfortunately have seen and have had to work at to stop ppl in their tracks and force them to challenge their way of thinking. Better to go into it completely aware of who you are and what your goals are for this lovely young boy.

You two are completely in agreeance with where you're going and what you want to achieve in letting him know about his life, his culture and helping him to become a healthy, whole, cultural diversified and aware individual. I congratulate you both and look forward to hearing and seeing more of this wonderful journey you're both on.

I have never considered adoption as an option for me, although I have thought about it briefly. There is, as you've found out, a negative stigma to it in Western Culture which is very very unfortunate. Where as in New Guinea, adoption is an every day occurrence. I find your blog educational, enlightening, positive, creative and forward thinking. The 'negative stigma' seems to pale when listening and watching the two of you and that's wonderful. I can only see the benefits.

I think the two of you are going to do wonders for many more children, other than just Clifford, through the way you have chosen to live and just be the people that you are. I think you are going to change many people's minds as to why Adoption is a great thing to do and consider in a positive light. And if not for that, change ppls minds so as they can then fully support other family members of their own and ppl in the community who choose to take a step down this road.

Great job guys. You're a testimony in and of yourselves. (Sorry if I waffled on. Hope some of this makes sense).

Marianne E.